Electronic device and display control method

ABSTRACT

To improve visibility of video input from different sources, a broadcast subframe for receiving a broadcast program or the like to reproduce the same is arranged on a display screen such that the broadcast subframe is not overlapped with a browser subframe for reproducing the movie of e.g., streaming of the browser.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/013,878, filed Aug. 29, 2013, which is a continuation of PCTApplication No. PCT/JP2013/058620, filed Mar. 25, 2013, which is basedupon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 2012-277719, filed Dec. 20, 2012, the entire contents of all ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to an electronic deviceand a display control method.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, digital television (TV) sets have been increasinglycommon. Digital TV sets are capable of receiving broadcast signals andreproducing and recording programs on the basis of the receivedbroadcast signals. Further, digital TV sets comprise network connectorand a browser, and are capable of displaying information obtained viathe Internet. As well as digital TV sets, personal computers and thelike are similarly capable of recording and reproducing programs on thebasis of broadcast signals and displaying information obtained via theInternet.

For example, a technique has been proposed to display informationobtained via the Internet on a screen for reproducing a program on thebasis of a broadcast signal. That is, a technique has been proposed todisplay information obtained via the Internet in a small screen over apart of a screen for reproducing a program.

Since information obtained via the Internet often includes characterinformation, it is sometimes difficult to view such characterinformation or the like displayed on a small screen. It becomes easierto view character information or the like displayed on the small screenby increasing the size of the small screen displayed on a part of thescreen for reproducing a program, but this in turn makes it difficult toview the screen for reproducing the program.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A general architecture that implements the various features of theembodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. Thedrawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate theembodiments and not to limit the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a schematic configuration ofa digital television broadcast receiver (electronic device) according tofirst to third embodiments.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating display control accordingto the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a shift of screens accordingto the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a shift of screens accordingto the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a shift of screens accordingto the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a shift of screens accordingto the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating display control accordingto the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a shift of screens accordingto the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a shift of screens accordingto the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a schematic configurationof a communication terminal (electronic device) according to the firstto third embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed are an electronic device and a display control method capableof improving visibility of video input from different sources.

In general, according to one embodiment, an electronic device includes:a first receiver, a second receiver, a generator, and an output module.The first receiver receives first information and moving image data. Thesecond receiver receives second information. The generator generates afirst frame on the basis of the first information, generates a movingimage frame on the basis of the moving image data, generates a secondframe formed of the first frame including the moving image frame,generates a third frame on the basis of the second information such thatthe third frame is arranged in a region different from that of themoving image frame, and generates a fourth frame including the movingimage frame and the third frame. The output module selectively outputsfirst video display information for displaying the second frame andsecond video display information for displaying the fourth frame.

Hereinafter, the first to third embodiments will be described in detailwith reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a schematic configuration ofa digital television broadcast receiver (electronic device) according tothe first to third embodiments. The digital television broadcastreceiver shown in FIG. 1 is an example of hardware common to the firstto third embodiments. In the present embodiment, an electronic devicecomprising a video display part 14 will be described, but the videodisplay part 14 is not a required component. For example, when theelectronic device is a digital recorder, a main body of a computer, orthe like, the electronic device does not comprise a video display part14, and outputs display information to an external video display partvia a cable of a certain kind, for example.

A digital television broadcast receiver 100 will now be described withreference to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, a digital satellite televisionbroadcast signal received via a BS/CS digital broadcast receivingantenna 47 is supplied to a digital satellite broadcast tuner 49 via aninput terminal 48, and the tuner 49 then selects a broadcast signal of aspecified channel.

The broadcast signal selected by the tuner 49 is supplied to aphase-shift keying (PSK) demodulator 50, is demodulated into a digitalvideo signal and a digital speech signal, and then output to a signalprocessor 51.

A digital terrestrial television broadcast signal received via aterrestrial broadcast receiving antenna 52 is supplied to a digitalterrestrial broadcast tuner 54 via an input terminal 53, and the tuner54 then selects a broadcast signal of a specified channel.

The broadcast signal selected by the tuner 54 is supplied to anorthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) demodulator 55, isdemodulated into a digital video signal and a digital speech signal, andthen output to the signal processor 51.

An analogue terrestrial television broadcast signal received via theterrestrial broadcast receiving antenna 52 is supplied to an analogueterrestrial broadcast tuner 56 via the input terminal 53, and the tuner56 then selects a broadcast signal of a specified channel. The broadcastsignal selected by the tuner 56 is supplied to an analogue demodulator57, is demodulated into an analogue video signal and an analogue speechsignal, and then output to the signal processor 51.

The signal processor 51 selectively performs a predetermined digitalsignal process on the digital video signal and the digital speech signalsupplied from each of the PSK demodulator 50 and the OFDM demodulator55, and then outputs the processed signals to a graphic processor 58 anda speech processor 59.

A plurality of (4 in the case of FIG. 1) input terminals 60 a, 60 b, 60c, and 60 d are connected to the signal processor 51. Each of the inputterminals 60 a-60 d allows an analogue video signal and an analoguespeech signal to be input from outside the digital television broadcastreceiver 100.

The signal processor 51 selectively digitizes the analogue video signaland speech signal supplied from each of the analogue demodulator 57 andthe input terminals 60 a-60 d, performs a predetermined digital signalprocess on the digitized video signal and speech signal, and thenoutputs the processed signals to the graphic processor 58 and the speechprocessor 59.

The graphic processor 58 has a function of superimposing an on-screendisplay (OSD) signal generated by an OSD signal generator 61 on thedigital video signal supplied from the signal processor 51, andoutputting the superimposed signal. The graphic processor 58 is capableof selectively outputting the video signal output from the signalprocessor 51 and the OSD signal output from the OSD signal generator 61,and outputting a combination of the both outputs.

The digital video signal output from the graphic processor 58 issupplied to a video processor 62. The video signal processed by thevideo processor 62 is supplied to a video display part 14 and to anoutput terminal. The video display part 14 displays video on the basisof the video signal, and when an external device is connected to theoutput terminal, the video signal supplied to the output terminal isinput to the external device.

After converting the input digital speech signal into an analogue speechsignal that can be reproduced by the speaker 15, the speech processor 59outputs the converted signal to the speaker 15 so as to be output asspeech and to the outside via an output terminal.

A control module 65 of the digital television broadcast receiver 100collectively controls all the processes and operations including theabove-described signal process and the like. The control module 65 isformed of a central processing unit (CPU), for example. The controlmodule 65 controls each element such that the content of operation isreflected on the basis of operation information from an operation part16 or operation information (code) transmitted from the remotecontroller 17 and received via a light reception part 18.

In this case, the control module 65 mainly uses a read-only memory (ROM)66 configured to store a control program that is executed by the CPU, arandom access memory (RAM) 67 which provides the CPU with a work area,and a non-volatile memory 68 which stores a variety of types of settinginformation, control information, and the like.

The control module 65 is capable of transmitting and receivinginformation via a communication I/F 73. Further, the control module 65is capable of transmitting information to a USB-compatible device (suchas an external HDD 102) via a USB I/F 76.

Further, the control module 65 controls an operation of recording acontent (program) on the basis of a reception signal by referring torecording reservation information included in a recording reservationlist stored in the non-volatile memory 68. Examples of recordingdestinations include a built-in HDD 101, an external HDD 102 connectedvia a USB terminal 24, a hard disc recorder connected via an HDMIterminal, a DVD recorder, and a Blu-ray (R) recorder.

The control module 65, the signal processor 51, the graphic processor58, the video processor 62, and a program (browser) stored in thenon-volatile memory 68 (hereinafter referred to as the control module 65and its associate) cooperatively generate a frame on the basis ofreception data of various kinds, and output video display informationfor displaying video corresponding to a generated frame.

For example, the control module 65 and its associate are capable ofcommunicating with an external device (such as an external Internetserver) via the communication I/F 73, specifying a first address (URL)for the external device, receiving first external data corresponding tothe first address from the external device, generating a main frame(first frame) which displays information included in the first externaldata, and outputting first video display information for displaying themain frame. In response thereto, the video display part 14 displaysvideo corresponding to the main frame (first frame).

Further, in response to an operation of selecting a second address (URL)displayed on the main frame or the like, the control module 65 and itsassociate are capable of specifying the selected second address (URL)for the external device, receiving second external data corresponding tothe second address from the external device, and outputting second videodisplay information for displaying a main frame (modified frame) whichdisplays information included in the second external data. That is, thesecond video display information is output in place of the first videodisplay information. In response thereto, the video display part 14displays video corresponding to the main frame (modified frame).

Further, the control module 65 and its associate control output(display) of video display information for displaying a main frameincluding subframes (small screens) of various kinds. Such subframes arealso called picture-in-picture (PiP). Examples of such subframes includea frame that displays video of a broadcast signal received via thetuners 49, 54, 56, etc. Examples of such subframes further include aframe that displays video of moving image data (streaming data) receivedvia the communication I/F 73.

For example, the control module 65 and its associate are capable ofgenerating a first subframe which displays video of moving image data,generating a second subframe which displays video of a broadcast signal,configuring a main frame including the first subframe, outputting videodisplay information for displaying video corresponding to the main frameincluding the first subframe, configuring a main frame including thefirst and second subframes, and outputting video display information fordisplaying video corresponding to the main frame including the first andsecond subframes. Further, the control module 65 is capable ofoutputting the first subframe as a main frame, and outputting the secondsubframe as a main frame.

Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given on the first to thirdembodiments.

First Embodiment

FIG. 2 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating display control accordingto the first embodiment.

A case is assumed where the control module 65 and its associate arereproducing a moving image on a browser (ST201). That is, a case isassumed where the control module 65 and its associate generate a firstmain frame on the basis of external data received the communication I/F73, generate a first subframe on the basis of moving image data receivedvia the communication I/F 73, configure a second main frame includingthe first subframe, and output first video display information fordisplaying video corresponding to the second main frame. That is, a caseis assumed where video corresponding to a second main frame including afirst subframe corresponding to streaming reproduction data (movingimage) is displayed (ST201).

When the control module 65 and its associate display video of abroadcast program or the like as PiP during reproduction of a movingimage by a browser (during output of the second main frame), if there isnot an available region that does not overlap with the first subframe inthe second mainframe, since PiP cannot be displayed in a position thatdoes not overlap with the first subframe (No in ST202), the controlmodule 65 and its associate request the user to select a display mode.For example, the control module 65 and its associate request the user toselect a display mode by means of pop-up.

For example, as shown in STATE31 of FIG. 3, when a moving image (firstsubframe) reproduced by the browser is displayed on the full screen,that is, when the first subframe is displayed as a main frame, there isnot an available region that does not overlap with the moving image(first subframe). In such a case, the user is requested to makeselection as to whether to display PiP or not by means of pop-up.

If the user has selected to display PiP via the remote controller 17 orthe like as input means (YES in ST203), the control module 65 and itsassociate display video of a broadcast program or the like (secondsubframe) as PiP on the full screen of the moving image reproduced bythe browser, as shown in STATE32 of FIG. 3 (ST204). If the user hasselected not to display PiP via the remote controller 17 or the like asinput means (NO in ST203), the control module 65 and its associatecontinue reproduction of the moving image by the browser and do notdisplay video of the broadcast program as PiP, as shown in STATE33 ofFIG. 3 (ST205).

When the control module 65 and its associate display video of thebroadcast program (second subframe) as PiP during reproduction of themoving image by the browser (during output of the second main frame), ifthere is an available region that does not overlap with the firstsubframe and the video of the broadcast program can be displayed as PiPin a position that does not overlap with the first subframe (YES inST202), the video of the broadcast program is displayed as PiP in theavailable region (ST206).

For example, as shown in STATE 41 of FIG. 4, if there is an availableregion that does not overlap with the frame for reproduction of themoving image by the browser during reproduction of the moving image bythe browser (during output of the second main frame), the control module65 and its associate arrange the video of the broadcast program (secondsubframe) in the available region (such that the first subframe and thesecond subframe are arranged in different regions), and output (display)video display information for displaying video corresponding to a thirdmain frame including the first subframe and the second subframe, asshown in STATE42 of FIG. 4. In response thereto, the video display part14 displays video corresponding to the second main frame.

The control module 65 and its associate change the size of the secondsubframe (video of the broadcast program) such that the second subframedoes not overlap with the first subframe (moving image), and output(display) video display information for displaying video correspondingto a third main frame including the first subframe and the secondsubframe. For example, the control module 65 and its associate adjust(change) the size of the first subframe and the second subframe suchthat the first subframe and the second subframe are arranged outside aregion for displaying characters.

Further, in response to an operation input to the third main frame viathe remote controller 17 or the like as input means, the control module65 and its associate generate a modified frame obtained by modifying thethird main frame, and output (display) video display information fordisplaying video corresponding to the modified frame. In this case, thecontrol module 65 and its associate rearrange the first subframe and thesecond subframe in different regions in the modified frame. That is, thecontrol module 65 and its associate rearrange the first subframe and thesecond subframe in the modified frame such that the first subframe andthe second subframe do not overlap with each other.

The input to the third main frame can be made by a scrolling operationon the screen, a swiping operation (operation of scrolling the screen bymoving a finger both sideways and up and down with the finger touchingthe screen), a flicking operation (operation of scrolling the screen bymoving a finger touching the screen both sideways and up and down andthen taking the finger off of the screen), and selection of accessinformation (address) to another web site displayed on the screen. Forexample, the first and second frames may be displayed in the modifiedframe at timing after a scrolling operation input has been finished(ST207). In this case, the size of the first frame may be changed beforethe first frame is displayed, or the size of the second frame may bechanged before the second frame is displayed, according to the size ofthe available region. Further, the first and second frames may bedisplayed in the modified frame after the modified frame is displayed onthe basis of access information to another web site (ST208). In thiscase, the size of the first frame may be changed before the first frameis displayed, or the size of the second frame may be changed before thesecond frame is displayed, according to the size of the availableregion.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible for the user toview video of a broadcast program or the like that is on the air as PiP,while viewing a moving image reproduced by the browser, therebyimproving convenience. While a case has been described above where videocorresponding to a broadcast program is output (displayed) in asubframe, the video corresponding to the broadcast program may bereplaced with video corresponding to an input by a PVR or other externalinputs.

A summary of the first embodiment will be given below.

(1) When a first subframe corresponding to streaming reproduction and asecond subframe corresponding to video of a certain kind are displayed(as PiP) in a main frame (on the screen for reproduction by thebrowser), the digital television broadcast receiver 100 arranges thesecond subframe such that the second subframe does not overlap with thefirst subframe, and outputs (displays) a main frame including the firstand second subframes.

(2) The digital television broadcast receiver 100 automatically changesthe size of the first subframe and the second subframe. For example, thedigital television broadcast receiver 100 adjusts (changes) the size ofthe second subframe according to the size of the available region.

(3) The digital television broadcast receiver 100 outputs (displays) themain frame including the first and second subframes, by rearranging thefirst subframe and the second subframe such that the first subframe andthe second subframe do not overlap with each other, by changing the sizeof the first subframe such that the first subframe and the secondsubframe do not overlap with each other, or by changing the size of thesecond subframe such that the first subframe and the second subframe donot overlap with each other, for example, in response to an operation ofselecting another URL (an operation of jumping to another link) or ascrolling operation by the user.

(4) When there is not an available region in the main frame (on thescreen for reproduction by the browser), for example, and when the firstsubframe is displayed on the full screen, the digital televisionbroadcast receiver 100 requests the user to input a display mode anddisplays video in the input display mode. For example, when a displaymode that displays a second subframe in a first subframe is specified, afirst subframe including a second subframe is displayed as a main frame.When a display mode that does not display a second subframe isspecified, a first subframe that does not include a second subframe isdisplayed as a main frame.

Second Embodiment

A case is assumed where the control module 65 and its associatereproduce information on the browser. That is, a case is assumed wherethe control module 65 and its associate generate a first frame on thebasis of external data received via the communication I/F 73, and outputfirst video display information for displaying video corresponding tothe first frame by using the first frame as a main frame. In this case,when an input by an external cause is detected, the control module 65and its associate control display of a second frame corresponding to theinput.

For example, when the control module 65 and its associate detect aninput by an external cause during reproduction of information by thebrowser (during output of the first frame), as shown in STATE51 of FIG.5, the control module 65 and its associate generate a second framecorresponding to the input by an external cause, generate a third framewhich includes the first frame including the second frame, and outputsecond video display information for displaying video corresponding tothe third main frame, as shown in STATE52 of FIG. 5. That is, thecontrol module 65 and its associate switch from display of videocorresponding to the first frame shown in STATE51 of FIG. 5 to displayof video corresponding to the third frame shown in STATE52 of FIG. 5.

Alternatively, as shown in STATE61 of FIG. 6, when the control module 65and its associate detect an input by an external cause duringreproduction of information by the browser (during output of the firstmain frame), the control module 65 and its associate output (display) aselection menu, as shown in STATE62 of FIG. 6. The selection menuincludes, for example, a first item that specifies providing display asPiP, a second item that specifies providing display on the main screen,and a third item that specifies providing display by closing the mainscreen.

For example, when the user selects the first item via the remotecontroller 17 or the like as input means, the control module 65 and itsassociate generate a second frame corresponding to an input by anexternal cause, generate a third frame which includes the first frameincluding the second frame, and output second video display informationfor displaying video corresponding to the third main frame, as shown inSTATE63 of FIG. 6. That is, the control module 65 and its associatedisplay the second frame corresponding to an input by an external causeas PiP.

Further, when the user selects the second item via the remote controller17 or the like as input means, the control module 65 and its associategenerate a first frame corresponding to the browser, generate a secondframe corresponding to an input by an external cause, generate a fourthframe that includes the second frame including the first frame, andoutput third video display information for displaying videocorresponding to the fourth frame, as shown in STATE64 of FIG. 6. Thatis, the control module 65 and its associate display video correspondingto the browser as PiP. In other words, the control module 65 and itsassociate output (display) the main frame and the subframe by switchingthe relationship between the main frame and the subframe.

Further, when the user selects the third item via the remote controller17 or the like as input means, the control module 65 and its associategenerate a second frame corresponding to an input by an external cause,and output fourth video display information for displaying videocorresponding to the second frame, as shown in STATE65 of FIG. 6. Inother words, the control module 65 and its associate output (display)the second frame by replacing the first frame with the second frame.

An example of the input by an external cause will now be described.

For example, when an HDMI-Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) signal isdetected via the communication I/F 90 (such as HDMI), the control module65 and its associate generate a content frame corresponding to a contentinput via the communication I/F 90, arrange the content frame in abrowser frame corresponding to a browser, and output (display) a browserframe including the content frame. That is, when an external device suchas a tuner connected via the communication I/F 90 is powered on, theexternal device outputs an HDMI-CEC signal corresponding to power-on(One Touch Play), and the control module 65 and its associate detect theHDMI-CEC signal corresponding to power-on, and display a content framecorresponding to a content input via the communication I/F 90 of acertain kind in the main frame (browser frame). Alternatively, thecontrol module 65 and its associate output (display) the browser frameand the content frame by switching the relationship between the browserframe and the content frame. Alternatively, the control module 65 andits associate output (display) the content frame by replacing thebrowser frame with the content frame.

Further, the control module 65 and its associate generate a contentframe corresponding to a content input via the communication I/F 90(Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL), arrange the content frame in abrowser frame corresponding to the browser, and output (display) thebrowser frame including the content frame. That is, a content framecorresponding to a content input via the communication I/F 90 of acertain kind is displayed as PiP in the main frame (browser frame) inresponse to power-on or the like of an external device connected via thecommunication I/F 90. Alternatively, the control module 65 and itsassociate output (display) the browser frame and the content frame byswitching the relationship between the browser frame and the contentframe. Alternatively, the control module 65 and its associate output(display) the content frame by replacing the browser frame with thecontent frame.

Further, the control module 65 and its associate generate a contentframe corresponding to a content (content from a digital media server(DMS)) input via the communication I/F 90 (LAN I/F), arrange the contentframe in a browser frame corresponding to the browser, and output(display) the browser frame including the content frame. That is, acontent frame corresponding to a content input via the communication I/F90 of a certain kind is displayed as PiP in the main frame (in thebrowser frame). Alternatively, the control module 65 and its associateoutput (display) the browser frame and the content frame by switchingthe relationship between the browser frame and the content frame.Alternatively, the control module 65 and its associate output (display)the content frame by replacing the browser frame with the content frame.

Further, the control module 65 and its associate generate a contentframe corresponding to a content (content from an external device withWireless Display (WiDi)) input via the communication I/F 90 (wirelessLAN I/F), arrange the content frame in a browser frame corresponding tothe browser, and output (display) the browser frame including thecontent frame. That is, a content frame corresponding to a content inputvia the communication I/F 90 of a certain kind is displayed as PiP inthe main frame (in the browser frame). Alternatively, the control module65 and its associate output (display) the browser frame and the contentframe by switching the relationship between the browser frame and thecontent frame. Alternatively, the control module 65 and its associateoutput (display) the content frame by replacing the browser frame withthe content frame.

The control module 65 and its associate output (display) a browser frameincluding the content frame to a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) display viathe communication I/F 90 (wireless LAN I/F). Alternatively, the controlmodule 65 and its associate output (display) the browser frame and thecontent frame to the Wi-Fi display via the communication I/F 90(wireless LAN I/F), by switching the relationship between the browserframe and the content frame, as described above. Alternatively, thecontrol module 65 and its associate output (display) the content frameto the Wi-Fi display via the communication I/F 90 (wireless LAN I/F) byreplacing the browser frame with the content frame.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible for the user toview a screen corresponding to a content input by an external causewhile viewing a browser screen (without deleting the browser screen).Further, it is also possible for the user to select a mode fordisplaying a content input by an external cause, thereby increasingoptions for display.

A summary of the second embodiment will be given below.

(1) The digital television broadcast receiver 100 is capable ofdisplaying a browser screen as a main screen, and displaying a screencorresponding to a content input by an external cause as a subscreen.That is, the digital television broadcast receiver 100 is capable ofdisplaying a screen of a content input by an external cause as PiP in amain screen as a browser screen.

(2) The digital television broadcast receiver 100 is capable ofselecting one of the following: a first display mode which displays abrowser screen as a main screen, and a screen corresponding to a contentinput by an external cause as a subscreen; a second display mode whichdisplays a browser screen as a subscreen and a screen corresponding to acontent input by an external cause as a main screen; and a third displaymode which displays a screen corresponding to a content input by anexternal cause as a main screen.

Third Embodiment

A case is assumed where the control module 65 and its associatereproduce information on a browser, and reproduce a broadcast program orthe like. That is, the control module 65 and its associate generate afirst frame on the basis of external data received via the communicationI/F 73, generate a second frame corresponding to a broadcast program orthe like, and generate a third frame which includes the first frameincluding the second frame, thereby outputting (displaying) videodisplay information for displaying video corresponding to the firstframe, and outputting (displaying) video display information fordisplaying video corresponding to the third frame, according toconditions. That is, the control module 65 and its associate controldisplay of a broadcast program or the like as PiP according toconditions.

Control in displaying a broadcast program or the like as PiP will bedescribed with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7.

For example, the user is capable of making, via the remote controller 17or the like as input means, settings to display PiP while the maincontent is on the air (first condition), not to display PiP while themain content is on the air (second condition), to display PiP while a CMis on the air (third condition), not to display PiP while a CM is on theair (fourth condition), to mute speech corresponding to PiP displaywhile the main content is on the air (fifth condition), not to mutespeech corresponding to PiP display while the main content is on the air(sixth condition), to mute speech corresponding to PiP display while aCM is on the air (seventh condition), and not to mute speechcorresponding to PiP display while a CM is on the air (eighthcondition). The non-volatile memory 68 stores the above-describedsettings. It is also possible to adopt some of the first to eighthconditions.

For example, when the first, fourth, sixth, and seventh conditions areset, the control module 65 and its associate output browser video (videodisplay information for displaying video corresponding to the thirdframe) including PiP display of a broadcast program (main content)during detection of the main content of the broadcast program, and alsooutput speech corresponding to the broadcast program (main content).When a CM of the broadcast program is detected, the control module 65and its associate output browser video (video display information fordisplaying video corresponding to the first frame) not including PiPdisplay of the broadcast program (CM) (ST731) (STATE81 of FIG. 8), andstop speech corresponding to the broadcast program (CM) (ST732). Whenthe main content (or end of a CM) of the broadcast program is detectedagain, the control module 65 and its associate output browser video(video display information for displaying video corresponding to thethird frame) including PiP display of the broadcast program (maincontent) (ST734) (STATE82 of FIG. 8), and also output speechcorresponding to the broadcast program (main content).

For example, when the first, fourth, sixth, and eighth conditions areset, the control module 65 and its associate output browser video (videodisplay information for displaying video corresponding to the thirdframe) including PiP display of the broadcast program (main content)during detection of the main content of the broadcast program, and alsooutput speech corresponding to the broadcast program (main content).When a CM of the broadcast program is detected, the control module 65and its associate output browser video (video display information fordisplaying video corresponding to the first frame) not including PiPdisplay of the broadcast program (CM) (ST731), and output speechcorresponding to the broadcast program (CM) (ST733). When the maincontent (or end of a CM) of the broadcast program is detected again, thecontrol module 65 and its associate output browser video (video displayinformation for displaying video corresponding to the third frame)including PiP display of the broadcast program (main content) (ST734),and also output speech corresponding to the broadcast program (maincontent).

For example, when the second, third, fifth, and seventh conditions areset, the control module 65 and its associate output browser video (videodisplay information for displaying video corresponding to the firstframe) not including PiP display of the broadcast program (main content)during detection of the main content of the broadcast program, and donot output speech corresponding to the broadcast program (main content).When a CM of the broadcast program is detected, the control module 65and its associate output browser video (video display information fordisplaying video corresponding to the third frame) including PiP displayof the broadcast program (CM) (ST741) (STATE91 of FIG. 9), and do notoutput speech corresponding to the broadcast program (CM) (ST742). WhenPiP display is not selected via the remote controller 17 or the like (NOin ST744) and when the main content (or end of a CM) of the broadcastprogram is detected again, the control module 65 and its associateoutput browser video (video display information for displaying videocorresponding to the first frame) not including PiP display of thebroadcast program (main content) (ST735) (STATE92 of FIG. 9), and do notoutput speech corresponding to the broadcast program (main content).When PiP display is selected via the remote controller 17 or the like(YES in ST744), the control module 65 performs a web searching process(ST746). For example, the control module 65 outputs a web search screen,or automatically executes a web search on the basis of informationincluded in the broadcast program and outputs a web search resultscreen.

For example, when the second, third, fifth, and eighth conditions areset, the control module 65 and its associate output browser video (videodisplay information for displaying video corresponding to the firstframe) not including PiP display of a broadcast program (main content)during detection of the main content of the broadcast program, and donot output speech corresponding to the broadcast program (main content).When a CM of the broadcast program is detected, the control module 65and its associate output browser video (video display information fordisplaying video corresponding to the third frame) including PiP displayof the broadcast program (CM) (ST741), and output speech correspondingto the broadcast program (CM) (STATE743). When PiP display is notselected via the remote controller 17 or the like (NO in ST744) and whenthe main content (or end of a CM) of the broadcast program is detectedagain, the control module 65 and its associate output browser video(video display information for displaying video corresponding to thefirst frame) not including PiP display of the broadcast program (maincontent) (ST735), and do not output speech corresponding to thebroadcast program (main content). When PiP display is selected via theremote controller 17 or the like (YES in ST744), the control module 65performs a web searching process (ST746). For example, the controlmodule 65 outputs a web search screen, or automatically executes a websearch on the basis of information included in the broadcast program andoutputs a web search result screen.

Alternatively, the user is capable of making, via the remote controller17 or the like, settings to display PiP on the basis of a result oflearning a user operation (first condition); not to display PiP on thebasis of the result of learning the user operation (second condition);to mute speech corresponding to PiP display on the basis of the resultof learning the user operation (third condition); and to mute speechcorresponding to PiP display on the basis of the result of learning theuser operation (fourth condition). For example, when the user selects avariety program via the remote controller 17 or the like and makes asetting not to display PiP, the control module 65 and its associatelearn these operations and do not display PiP when a variety program isdetected. When the user selects a drama program via the remotecontroller 17 or the like and makes a setting to display PiP, thecontrol module 65 and its associate learn these operations and displayPiP when a drama program is detected. The non-volatile memory 68 storesthe above-described settings. It is also possible to adopt some of thefirst to fourth conditions.

For example, when the second and third conditions are set, the controlmodule 65 and its associate output browser video (video displayinformation for displaying video corresponding to the third frame)including PiP display of the broadcast program during detection of aprogram other than a variety program, and also output speechcorresponding to the broadcast program. When a variety program isdetected, the control module 65 and its associate output browser video(video display information for displaying video corresponding to thefirst frame) not including PiP display of the broadcast program (ST711),and stop speech corresponding to the broadcast program (ST712). When aprogram other than a variety program is detected again, the controlmodule 65 and its associate output browser video (video displayinformation for displaying video corresponding to the third frame)including PiP display of the broadcast program (ST714), and also outputspeech corresponding to the broadcast program.

For example, when the second and fourth conditions are set, the controlmodule 65 and its associate output browser video (video displayinformation for displaying video corresponding to the third frame)including PiP display of a broadcast program during detection of aprogram other than a variety program, and output speech corresponding tothe broadcast program. When a variety program is detected, the controlmodule 65 and its associate output browser video (video displayinformation for displaying video corresponding to the first frame) notincluding PiP display of the broadcast program (ST711), and outputspeech corresponding to the broadcast program (ST713). When a programother than a variety program is detected again, the control module 65and its associate output browser video (video display information fordisplaying video corresponding to the third frame) including PiP displayof the broadcast program (ST714), and also output speech correspondingto the broadcast program.

For example, when the first and third conditions are set, the controlmodule 65 and its associate output browser video (video displayinformation for displaying video corresponding to the first frame) notincluding PiP display of the broadcast program during detection of aprogram other than a drama program, and do not output speechcorresponding to the broadcast program. When a drama program isdetected, the control module 65 and its associate output browser video(video display information for displaying video corresponding to thethird frame) including PiP display of the broadcast program (ST721), anddo not output speech corresponding to the broadcast program (ST722).When PiP display is not selected via the remote controller 17 or thelike (NO in ST724) and when a program other than a drama program isdetected again, the control module 65 and its associate output browservideo (video display information for displaying video corresponding tothe first frame) not including PiP display of the broadcast program(ST725), and do not output speech corresponding to the broadcastprogram. When PiP display is selected via the remote controller 17 orthe like (YES in ST724), the control module 65 performs a web searchingprocess (ST726). For example, the control module 65 outputs a web searchresult screen, or automatically performs a web search on the basis ofinformation included in the broadcast program and outputs a web searchscreen.

For example, when the first and fourth conditions are set, the controlmodule 65 and its associate output browser video (video displayinformation for displaying video corresponding to the first frame) notincluding PiP display of the broadcast program during detection of aprogram other than a drama program, and do not output speechcorresponding to the broadcast program. When a drama program isdetected, the control module 65 and its associate output browser video(video display information for displaying video corresponding to thethird frame) including PiP display of the broadcast program (ST721), andoutput speech corresponding to the broadcast program (ST723). When PiPdisplay is not selected via the remote controller 17 or the like (NO inST724) and a program other than a drama program is detected again, thecontrol module 65 and its associate output browser video (video displayinformation for displaying video corresponding to the first frame) notincluding PiP display of the broadcast program (ST725), and do notoutput speech corresponding to the broadcast program. When PiP displayis selected via the remote controller 17 or the like (YES in ST724), thecontrol module 65 performs a web search process (ST726). For example,the control module 65 outputs a web search screen, or automaticallyperforms a web search on the basis of information included in thebroadcast program and outputs a web search result screen.

It is possible to detect switch of speech signals included in broadcastsignals using the known technique, and detect start of a CM, end of aCM, start of the main content, end of the main content, and the like onthe basis of the detection of switch of speech signals. It is alsopossible to detect start of a CM, end of a CM, start of the maincontent, end of the main content, and the like, using other knowntechniques.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible for the user toview PiP display at appropriate timing. In contrast to a case where PiPdisplay is constantly output and the amount of information on thebrowser screen decreases, it is possible to view sufficient informationon the browser screen while PiP display is not output, since PiP displayis output at appropriate timing.

A summary of the third embodiment will be given below.

(1) The digital television broadcast receiver 100 displays a browserscreen as a main screen, and displays PiP of a broadcast program or thelike as a subscreen in the browser screen at appropriate timing. Forexample, while the main content is on the air, the digital televisionbroadcast receiver 100 displays video corresponding to the broadcastprogram as PiP, and does not display video corresponding to thebroadcast program while a CM is on the air. That is, the digitaltelevision broadcast receiver 100 is capable of switching betweendisplay of PiP and non-display of PiP according to switching between themain content and a CM.

(2) The digital television broadcast receiver 100 is capable ofoutputting speech corresponding to a broadcast program or the like andstopping output of the speech at appropriate timing. For example, thedigital television broadcast receiver 100 outputs speech correspondingto a broadcast program while the main content is on the air, and stopsoutputting speech corresponding to the broadcast program while a CM ison the air. That is, the digital television broadcast receiver 100switches between output of speech and stop of output of speech,according to switching between the main content and a CM.

(3) The digital television broadcast receiver 100 learns operations bythe user to display PiP and not to display PiP intentionally, andswitches between display of PiP and non-display of PiP by using thelearned result, without operation by the user.

(4) The digital television broadcast receiver 100 learns an operation bythe user to output speech corresponding to a broadcast program or stopoutput of speech intentionally, and switches between output of speechand stop of output of speech, using the learned result, withoutoperation by the user.

(5) The digital television broadcast receiver 100 is capable ofexecuting a web search easily from PiP display.

In the description given above, the digital television broadcastreceiver (electronic device) 100 for embodying the first, second, andthird embodiments has been described, but may be replaced with acommunication terminal (electronic device) shown in FIG. 10. Thecommunication terminal 200 is a tablet terminal PC, a smartphone, or thelike.

As shown in FIG. 10, the communication terminal 200 comprises a controlmodule 201, a storage part 202, a communication part 203, a display part204, and an input part 205. The control module 201 corresponds to thecontrol module 65 and its associate, and controls PiP display, etc. Thestorage part 202 stores a variety of control programs (browsers). Thecommunication part 203 communicates with an external device (such as anexternal Internet server) over wireless communications, for example,specifies an address (URL) for the external device, and receivesexternal data corresponding to the address from the external device. Thedisplay part 204 generates a main frame which displays informationincluded in the external data, and displays video corresponding to themain frame. Further, the communication part 203 communicates with thedigital television broadcast receiver (electronic device) 100 overwireless communications, for example, and receives a content such as abroadcast program. The display part 204 generates a subframecorresponding to the content, and displays the subframe as PiP. That is,the display part 204 displays a main frame including a subframecorresponding to the content. The input part 205 is formed of atouchpanel or the like, corresponding to the display part 204, andreceives a touch input on a variety of types of information displayed onthe display part 204, for example.

The communication terminal 200 is capable of communicating with anexternal server or the like, via an access point in a communication areaof Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) or the like. That is, the communicationterminal 200 cannot communicate with the external server or the like,outside the communication area of Wi-Fi or the like. For example, whenthe communication part 203 starts (restarts) communicating with anaccess point in the communication area, the control module 201 instructsthe display part 204 to display a message indicating that an openbrowser is available. In response thereto, the display part 204 displaysa message “Open browser available”.

A case is assumed where the user who owns the communication terminal 200is using a browser of the communication terminal 200 in a communicationarea, for example. If the user is out of the communication area of Wi-Fior the like by moving therefrom, the browser of the communicationterminal 200 cannot be used substantially. Further, if the user who ownsthe communication terminal 200 moves into the communication area ofWi-Fi or the like, the communication part 203 starts communicating withan access point in the communication area, the control module 201instructs the display part 204 to display a message indicating that anopen browser is available, and the display part 204 displays a message“Open browser available”. Thereby, the user is capable of knowing thatthe browser (open browser) which has been unavailable (temporarilyunavailable) has become available (available again).

The above-described module may be embodied either as hardware or assoftware using a CPU or the like.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodimentsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intendedto cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope andspirit of the inventions.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: a processorconfigured to provide a signal including a video image; a browser moduleconfigured to obtain a browser image by browsing an Internet; and acircuit module configured to generate display information including thebrowser image to be displayed on a full screen, the display informationbeing configured to include the video image to be displayed on apicture-in-picture screen optionally provided at part of the fullscreen.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the circuit module isconfigured to generate a menu image on the full screen, the menu imagebeing configured to invite a user to select display of thepicture-in-picture screen.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the circuitmodule is configured to generate a menu image on the full screen, themenu image being configured to invite a user to select display of thepicture-in-picture screen including the video image, or display of thepicture-in-picture screen including the browser image.
 4. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the circuit module is configured to change a manner ofdisplaying the display information such that a display frame of thevideo image is separated from that of the browser image.
 5. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the circuit module is configured to change a mannerof displaying the display information such that a display frame of thebrowser image is part of the full screen.
 6. A display control methodcomprising: providing a signal including a video image; obtaining abrowser image by browsing an internet; displaying the browser image on agiven display screen, and displaying the video image on apicture-in-picture screen provided at part of the given display screen.7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: detecting whether or notthe picture-in-picture screen can be displayed at a position notoverlapping with the given display screen of the browser image; and ifit is detected that the picture-in-picture screen cannot be displayed atthe position not overlapping with the given display screen, thepicture-in-picture screen is displayed on the given display screen. 8.The method of claim 6, further comprising: detecting whether or not thepicture-in-picture screen can be displayed at a position not overlappingwith the given display screen of the browser image; and if it isdetected that the picture-in-picture screen can be displayed at theposition not overlapping with the given display screen, thepicture-in-picture screen is displayed at the position, a size of thepicture-in-picture screen being configured to be fit to the position. 9.The method of claim 6, wherein the given display screen of the browserimage is configured to be scrolled or swiped, and the picture-in-picturescreen is configured to be automatically displayed after stopping thescrolling or swiping of the given display screen.
 10. The method ofclaim 6, wherein the given display screen of the browser image isconfigured to be switched, and a size of the picture-in-picture screenis configured to be changeable when the given display screen isswitched.
 11. An electronic device configured to accept receptioninformation and image data, the electronic device comprising: agenerator configured to generate a first frame based on the receptioninformation, an image frame based on the image data, a second frameformed of the first frame including the image frame, a third frame basedon the second information where the third frame is arranged in a regiondifferent from a region of the image frame, and a fourth frame includingthe image frame and the third frame; and an output module configured tooutput video display information for displaying the second frame orsecond video display information for displaying the fourth frame. 12.The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the output module isconfigured to output the video display information upon receipt of thereception information and the image data.
 13. The electronic device ofclaim 11, wherein the output module is configured to output the secondvideo display information upon receipt of the reception information, theimage data, and the second information.
 14. The electronic device ofclaim 11, wherein the output module is configured to receive thereception information and the image data, output the video displayinformation when the second information is not received, and output thesecond video display information by replacing the video displayinformation with the second video display information when the secondinformation is received during output of the video display information.15. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the generator isconfigured to arrange the image frame and the second frame in separateregions in the fourth frame, the image frame and the second frame beingunoverlapped with each other.
 16. The electronic device of claim 11,wherein the generator is configured to determine a size of the thirdframe according to a size of a given region in the fourth frame, thegiven region being unoverlapped with the image frame.
 17. The electronicdevice of claim 11, further comprising an input module configured toreceive an input to specify a first display mode, wherein the outputmodule is configured to output fourth video display information inresponse to the input to specify the first display mode.
 18. Theelectronic device of claim 11, further comprising an input moduleconfigured to receive an input to specify a second display mode, whereinthe generator is configured to generate a fifth frame including theimage frame and the third frame, the image frame and the third framebeing arranged to at least partially overlap with each other, and theoutput module is configured to output fifth video display information inresponse to the input to specify the second display mode.
 19. Anelectronic device of claim 11, further comprising: an input moduleconfigured to receive an input, wherein the generator is responsive tothe input for the fourth frame, and is configured to generate a modifiedframe by modifying the fourth frame, the modified frame including theimage frame and the third frame, and the third frame being rearranged ina region different from a region of the image frame, and the outputmodule is configured to output third video display information fordisplaying the modified frame.
 20. A display control method comprising:receiving reception information and image data; generating a first framebased on the reception information, an image frame based on the imagedata, and a second frame formed of the first frame including the imageframe; outputting video display information for displaying the secondframe; receiving second information from a second receiver; generating athird frame based on the second information where the third frame isarranged in a region different from a region of the image frame, and afourth frame including the image frame and the third frame; andoutputting second video display information for displaying the fourthframe.